LONDON,
ON, Aug. 12, 2024 /CNW/ - To reach a greener
future, building and managing more energy-efficient buildings will
be critical. Supporting a more resilient and greener buildings
sector is critical to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,
improving affordability through long-term energy savings and
ensuring a better future for people of all income levels. The
Government of Canada is making
sure that tenants, homeowners and businesses are well supported in
the future to help Canadians reduce their monthly bills, improve
the efficiency of their homes and reach their climate goals.
That is why today, Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary
Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and
Communities and Member of Parliament for London North Centre,
and Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West, on
behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources, announced $425,935
through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program
(SREPs) to support the London Environmental Network's Nonprofit
Resiliency Project, which helps multi-unit residential buildings
owned by low-income nonprofit organizations get to net zero.
The Nonprofit Resiliency Project provides training to building
managers on how to track emissions, make action plans, and
implement sustainability projects that will help the homes reach
net zero. The project also offers free customized environmental
audits, providing recommendations for sustainable home improvements
through feasible and affordable electrification and onsite
renewable energy options. In addition, the project supports
the cost of the home improvements themselves, including work that
has already been done through SREPs to fund the rooftop solar work
completed on the first retrofitted building under this project.
The project proposes one-on-one coaching for tenants to help
residents lower their energy use and improve their recycling
habits, water conservation and overall household living options to
reduce their environmental impact. Educational workshops, webinars
and public information sharing will help teach building managers
and low-income residents about the benefits of energy-efficient
habits.
This investment reaffirms the Government of Canada's commitment to combating climate
change through greener buildings that help create healthier living
environments, improve community air quality, and significantly
reduce overall living costs by lowering monthly energy bills. As
the renewal of Canada's buildings
sector moves forward, it is critical that we leave nobody behind as
we work together toward a net-zero future.
Quotes
"Energy efficiency means cost savings for Canadians. At a time
when we are facing challenges with affordability and climate
change, initiatives like the Nonprofit Resiliency Project meet
Canadians where they are at and delivers the action they need, at
the pace and scale they are demanding. Programs like SREPs help
deliver on the commitments announced recently in Canada's first-ever Green Buildings Strategy,
which is a plan to save Canadians money, create jobs and seize the
economic opportunities that a clean and sustainable economy
presents."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of
Energy and Natural Resources
"The London Environmental Network does vital work in our
community by helping to promote the practice of sustainability.
This funding will allow the organization to continue that work in
housing. It's an example of partnership that will benefit
London."
Peter
Fragiskatos
Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of
Parliament for London North Centre
"I am pleased to see our government build on its commitment to
transform Canada's buildings
sector for a net-zero and more resilient future. Just as
importantly, I am happy to support positive environmental change
within communities in London,
where residents, managers and owners are working together and
provided with tools to make concrete changes for a better
future."
Arielle Kayabaga
Member of Parliament for London West
Related Information
- Nonprofit Resiliency Project
- Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program
- Powering Canada Forward: Building a Clean, Affordable, and
Reliable Electricity System for Every Region in Canada
- 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy
- Canada Green Buildings Strategy
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada